AGC survey reflects optimism among construction firms

Many construction firms plan to start hiring again, including those in the Midwest, and most contractors predict demand will either grow or remain stable in virtually every market segment this year, according to national survey results released today by the Associated General Contractors of America.

The Outlook was based on survey results from more than 800 construction firms from every state and the District of Columbia. Varying numbers responded to each question. Contractors of every size answered over 40 questions about their hiring, equipment purchasing and business plans.

In the Midwest, 39 percent of the firms plan to add employees, 7 percent plan layoffs, 34 percent plan no change and 20 percent said they didn’t know. Of those adding, 75 percent said five or fewer and 25 percent said six to 15.

Asked about their current work force challenges, 25 percent of Midwest survey respondents said they’re having a hard time filling some key professional and craft worker positions.

Contractors from the Midwest region were the most optimistic about demand for power construction in 2014. The optimists outnumbered the pessimists by 31 percent, according to the AGC report. Midwestern contractors were also the most optimistic about the outlook for manufacturing construction, with a net difference of 40 percent.